Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake Reviews
Square Enix have gone above and beyond honoring the original duology's legacy, whilst addressing virtually every single flaw both games originally had. Dungeons are massive labyrinths that'll challenge you every step of the way; the world is dense with secrets for those who can't help but explore every nook & cranny; and the series' deceptively deep combat is equal part addictively fun and rewardingly strategic.
Despite some bloat, as a whole, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake did an outstanding job making the Erdrick Trilogy feel more epic and cohesive than ever, and this effort has given me a more fond appreciation for it, which to me was the goal all along.
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is a wonderful collection of Slimy goodness, packed full of charm and quality of life improvements.
If you're looking for a blueprint for how to respectfully treat milestones of video game history while simultaneously breathing new life into them, you've found it in the remake of the two legendary first adventures of the Erdrick Trilogy!
Review in German | Read full review
Not just remade, these games have been thoughtfully improved and modernized so that they are just as impactful an experience as when they originally released.
Dragon Quest returns with a gorgeous set of remakes that make this the best possible way to experience the iconic adventures today.
Review in Finnish | Read full review
Dragon Quest I and II HD-2D Remake is just as good as expected by taking the same engine designed for Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake and remaking the first two games in it. These remakes have come with not only a fantastic visual upgrade, but also additions to the story and gameplay that make the games better than ever. Making these classic RPGs more accessible than ever is a real treat and you can tell they were done with a lot of love and care and not just as a quick cash grab after the success of the remake of III. Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remake once again confirm that HD-2D really continues to be the best way to revive older RPGs like this from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras, and I really hope we see more from the Dragon Quest series and maybe even extend to other series like Final Fantasy as well in the future.
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is an incredible package. Transforming both titles into unforgettable masterpieces that give them their own identity.
DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake successfully modernizes two foundational, aged RPGs with a unified, speedier battle system and essential quality-of-life upgrades, making them finally palatable for modern players. The package, which shines on the Switch 2 with its HD-2D visuals, delivers a definitive, streamlined experience, though the core narrative of the short first game remains simplistic.
While it offers a whole host of improvements, the Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake experiences end up being quite different. Dragon Quest I’s remake offers an amazing story upgrade but has frustrating battles throughout, while Dragon Quest II’s remake is one of the most amazing and memorable Dragon Quest experiences there is.
Despite minor shortcomings, these are two delightful remakes that are slightly limited by their origins. The stories of both games have been further developed and are therefore better than they were. Part two, in particular, does much more in this regard. It does, however, become a bit tedious after a while, as the core remains the same. This is one of the few times it can be said that there are complete versions of a Square-Enix game. Both are interesting remakes for newcomers and those already familiar with the series, allowing them to (re)acquaint themselves with the franchise, and I see no reason to recommend any other version of either game.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is a must-play for role-playing fans who want to relive a classic tale and its challenges. It’s a love letter to what made Dragon Quest remarkable and how it shaped the genre. Serving as a reminder that this series still knows how to slime its way into our hearts.
The Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake shines with stunning visuals, a fitting soundtrack, and welcome quality-of-life upgrades, offering a charming yet accessible JRPG experience full of strategic combat, added content, and nostalgic appeal—making it a must-play for fans of classic adventures and a hopeful sign of what's to come for other legendary titles.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Dragon Quest series' early roots. It combines familiar elements with refreshed lighting, expanded worlds, and improved user experience to deliver thoughtful quality-of-life updates while preserving the core game mechanics of the originals. You might ask why the Erdrick trilogy is the focus of the series over the last few years, and I can tell you it's worth sticking through to the end.
Dragon Quest I & II H2-2D Remake is living proof that classics don’t just survive the passage of time, they shine even brighter when treated with care. Impeccable visuals, a legendary soundtrack, simple yet fun gameplay full of identity. It’s a pure and captivating adventure, with that spirit of “a real videogame.” Its only shortcomings lie in the lack of more language options and the use of archaic wording, which may push some players away. But in the end, the package is beautiful, engaging, and packed with content. Recommended for both longtime fans and first-time players.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Dragon Quest I+II HD-2D Remake is a tribute to the two iconic games released forty years ago. It is a museum piece that showcases the origins of the Fantasy JRPG series to modern and returning audiences. The stunning visuals and musical score will sweep you away, while new additions to the gameplay and storyline will ensure this classic formula remains engaging.
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake surprised me with the transformative experiences they offer. While they fall short of the highs of Dragon Quest III’s modern conversion, that’s more in testament to how these games specifically aimed to offer the fullest and most complete-feeling iterations of the first two titles. Dragon Quest I in particular left me very pleasantly surprised, turning an experience many would call antiquated into something fresh and modern, but still dedicated to the old-school roots that defined it. Dragon Quest II’s turns one of the more unremarkable chapters in the series’ history into something to be celebrated. The new map was a lot of fun to explore, and the new party member brings in some considered rebalancing to the entire game that makes it even more enjoyable than before. When combined with III’s remake from last year, I dare say this is my favorite modern RPG trilogy in recent memory.
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake wraps up the legendary Erdrick Trilogy in fantastic fashion. While the second entry is the winner in terms of new features and additions, both are must-play titles for RPG newcomers and Dragon Quest diehards alike.
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is a brilliant package that brings new life and depth to two of the most influential RPGs of all time. The improved visuals, voice acting, and story changes go a long way in making these classics feel both retro and new, even if the first game is a little tough for modern players. This is the best way to play these two once-revolutionary titles, and I truly hope that Square Enix continues to remake the earlier Dragon Quest games with such care and style.
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake sets a new gold standard for how classic RPGs should be revived. It’s visually stunning, mechanically polished, and emotionally resonant—a love letter to the origins of one of gaming’s most important franchises. Whether you’re reliving the past or discovering Alefgard for the first time, this remake isn’t just a return to where it all began—it’s a reminder of why we fell in love with RPGs in the first place.